I said yesterday that I would share more about the binding technique I used on this little quilt. I really want to do most of my binding by machine from now on to save my hands. I was pleased with how this method turned out.
I started by cutting strips 1 3/4” wide and joining the end to end. This is single fold binding. I machine stitched my binding to the front of my quilt as usual, using a 1/4” seam allowance.
Then I pressed the binding fabric away from the quilt. Turn the quilt over and press the binding, turning under the seam allowance as you go. I have never used these clips before, but they worked really well for this.
I flipped the quilt over again, and stitched in the ditch as shown below.
I finished this pesky little thing! Several of you said an appliqué center was the way to go. I have to agree that would have looked best. But it just wasn’t going to happen this week. So it became a strippie.
I had a terrible time trying to get a photo with accurate color. It really isn’t this bright! I still haven’t gotten the cable quilting right, but it’s closer.
I made a single fold binding and had just enough of that print to do it. I’ll share that process in another post. I used unbleached muslin on the back.
Here are photos after washing.
It perfectly fit this doll bed, so I’m calling it a win.
I haven’t done any knitting in ages, but decided to make a simple dishcloth as a hand project while sitting in the back yard during family visits.
I soon remembered why I haven’t knitted in a long time….I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand four years ago and I now have issues with my left hand as well.
It’s gotten worse of late. I love knitting. I love hand quilting. I love riding my motorcycle. But all these things take a toll. I haven’t been good about continuing to wear the wrist brace at night on my right hand and now I have one for the left. I also tend to binge quilt and that aggravates things.
I’ll finish the dish cloth (a row at a time!) and then I’ll set the knitting aside again. I want to start a new hand quilting project as well. I’m holding off on that too.
I want to ride my bike this summer. My rides are shortened by the carpal tunnel issues, but this is what I want to use my hands for. The hand sewing and knitting will have to wait.
I’m also going to keep long arming, but I’m going to get back to wearing my antivibration gloves when I do.
I’m starting PT for shoulder issues this week. Ugh! But I’ll do pretty much anything to avoid another shoulder surgery.
I am so very grateful for my die cutters. Rotary cutting must be kept to a minimum and my die cutters have allowed me to keep sewing.
So, Slow Stitching Sunday will also be set aside in favor of something else. I’m sure I’ll come up with something! Maybe Die Cutting Sunday?
Take care of your hands, quilters! Don’t binge quilt as I have done!
